The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, makes internet access affordable for low-income households and offers an Enhanced Tribal Benefit. Native American families living on Tribal lands can receive a $75 per month discount on internet service plus $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
The Enhanced Tribal Benefit requires that the home is on qualifying Tribal lands, AND the household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, OR any household member participates in the Lifeline program or one of many Federal or Tribal assistance programs. Also, a household can receive the enhanced benefit if any member of the family:
- Receives Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance, or
- Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year, or
- Received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating company’s existing low-income Program, and that provider received FCC approval for its eligibility verification process.
Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission says broadband is a “need to have for everyone, everywhere.” The Biden-Harris administration estimates 185,000 Native American families are eligible for the Program.
More information on eligibility for the Enhanced Tribal Benefit is available here. For further information on the Affordable Connectivity Program and enrolling, call (877) 384-2575 or visit the ACP website or www.getinternet.gov.